Tibarimbasa is a 60-year-old lady from Uganda. She shared with us that over the course of her life, she has had 12 pregnancies all together; including three miscarriages and one lost one-year-old child. Her firstborn is 38 years old, and her last born is now 19 years old. Tibarimbasa and her husband are both small scale farmers, but her husband has had to stop for the time being due to his health condition.
For the last two years, Tibarimbasa has been experiencing severe abdominal pains. She has continually visited a couple of health units for treatment, which have only managed to give her medication providing short-term relief. Tibarimbasa reports that she experiences pains all over her body, especially in her arms and her back. The pain prevents her from bending over during farming, which has affected her crop production. She occasionally suffers from mild headaches, and finds it difficult to comfortably turn while she is resting in bed.
Upon arriving at Rushoroza Hospital, Tibarimbasa was diagnosed with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. If not treated, she could develop endometrial cancer. Her existing pains could worsen and stop her from doing her usual day to day activities completely. Her family currently cannot afford the surgery charges, and appeal for financial help.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $228 to fund Tibarimbasa’s surgery. On December 11th, she will undergo a hysterectomy at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Tibarimbasa will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain and her quality of life will improve.
Tibarimbasa shared, “I pray that I may be considered for surgery because my family cannot afford the surgery charges. I will resume farming as soon as possible to be able to take good care of my family.”